Natural beauty: the best natural products for your skin

Introduction

In a world where chemicals and synthetic ingredients are more and more present in our beauty products, it is essential to realize the importance of using natural products for our skin and hair. Natural products have many advantages, both for our health and for the environment. They are often gentler and better adapted to the needs of our skin and hair, and their regular use can help preserve their beauty and balance.

When Marion and I decided to create Khatone's Skáli, we wanted to make our cosmetics with this same approach: using a maximum of natural products. 

By focusing on natural skin care and products, we also support more environmentally friendly and animal-friendly production, which is especially important these days. In this article, we'll explore the best natural products for caring for your skin and hair, to help you adopt a healthier and more sustainable beauty routine. Let's get started!

The advantages of natural products over chemical products

Historically, natural products have been used to care for skin and hair for centuries. Ancient civilizations used vegetable oils, herbs and clays to clean, moisturize and beautify their skin and hair. Since ancient times, natural products have played an essential role in human life. The first cosmetic practices date back to ancient Egypt. Natural products were often based on natural products such as plants, oils and natural minerals. In the Middle Ages, cosmetics were mainly made of plant and animal ingredients, as well as crushed metals and gems.

With the advent of modern chemistry and the cosmetic industry in the 19th century, formulations evolved to include synthetic ingredients and more processed actives at the expense of natural products. These cosmetic industries began to use more and more synthetic and chemical ingredients because of their lower cost and ability to extend the shelf life of products. For the sake of quick profits, our companies have totally left out the health aspect of the products we put on our bodies, but this problem also affects the food industry.

When we compare natural products to chemicals, we see that the latter can be harmful to our skin, hair and the environment. Some chemical ingredients can cause allergic reactions, irritation and, in the long run, more serious health problems. There is also the production and disposal of these chemicals that can pollute the water, air and harm wildlife. 

Let's take the example of using a conventional shampoo containing sulfates. Sulfates are foaming agents that can cause irritation and dry out the hair and scalp. Whereas a natural solid shampoo with mild cleansing agents of vegetable origin and natural products such as plant extracts cleanses the hair without damaging it or dehydrating it, thus offering a healthier and more environmentally friendly solution.

Choosing natural products for skin and hair has benefits for both our health and the environment. They provide the benefits of traditional skin care while minimizing the negative impacts of chemicals on our bodies and our planet. And that doesn't mean that natural products are equal to less effective.

The positive impact of natural products on the environment and animal health: one more reason to use them.

The use of natural products for skin and hair has significant benefits for the environment and animal health. By choosing natural products, we reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to the protection of biodiversity.

First, natural ingredients are generally more environmentally friendly in their production and processing. Sustainable farming methods, such as organic farming, preserve the quality of soil and water resources, reducing pollution and environmental degradation. Natural ingredients are often biodegradable, which means they break down naturally and do not pollute aquatic environments.

For the health of animals, the use of natural and ecological products helps to reduce the risks of pollution of natural habitats. Many chemicals used in conventional cosmetics are toxic to aquatic organisms and can accumulate in the food chain, affecting animal health.

Our 5 favorite natural products for a respectful and healthy skin care routine

We have selected for you our favorite natural products to take care of your skin. These natural alternatives to conventional cosmetics, made of simple and efficient ingredients, offer many benefits for your health and the environment. You will also discover that most of these natural products are used as raw materials for the manufacturing of Khatone's Skáli cosmetics. This proves that there is no secret: quality cosmetics require the choice of premium raw materials. Discover our selection for a respectful and healthy skin care routine:

Tips for including natural products in your beauty routine

In the 1970s, the environmental movement and early environmental concerns contributed to a growing interest in natural products and alternative care. Consumers, concerned about their health and the impact of their choices on the environment, began to seek alternatives to chemical and synthetic products. Over the years, the range of natural products has grown and diversified, and their popularity has increased, leading to a widespread awareness of the importance of adopting a more natural and environmentally friendly beauty routine.

Despite this, until a few years ago it was almost impossible to find locally produced solid soaps or other natural-based cosmetics in Switzerland. It is only very recently that small brands and artisanal soap factories have emerged. However, with the adoption of the new law on cosmetics and the harmonization of European standards by the Swiss Confederation, many small businesses had to comply with the standards, some even had to close because they could not afford the costs of compliance. Thanks to this, the vast majority of natural cosmetics offered on the Swiss market now meet the standards of good manufacturing practice, and each recipe is controlled and validated by a toxicologist.

Adopting natural products in your beauty routine: a progressive integration step by step

Rather than replacing all your beauty products at once, take it one step at a time by reversing the order in which you incorporate natural products into your routine. Start by identifying the products you use least frequently or that have the least impact on your health and the environment, and replace them with natural alternatives. Then, gradually work on replacing common skincare products, and eventually the most essential and most used products. This gradual approach will allow you to get used to the new textures, smells and results of natural products, and to integrate them more easily into your daily beauty routine.

Let's say you want to adopt an all-natural beauty routine. Here's an example of how to gradually integrate natural products into your routine:

Step 1 : Replace one-time products, such as scrubs and masks, with natural products (for example, a sugar and coconut oil scrub or a clay and floral water mask).

Step 2: Replace common skincare products, such as cleansers, toners and moisturizers, with natural products (e.g., a coconut oil-based cleanser, a floral water-based toner and a moisturizer based on vegetable oil and hydrosol).

Step 3: Replace must-have products, such as shampoo, conditioner and deodorant, with natural products (for example, a solid clay-based shampoo, a solid shea butter-based conditioner and a natural baking soda-based deodorant).

Precautions to take when using these natural products

Test products on a small area of the skin: Before using new natural products, it is important to perform a skin test to make sure you are not having an allergic reaction or intolerance. Apply a small amount of product to the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours to see if there is a reaction. If you notice any redness, itching or other signs of irritation, avoid using the product on other parts of your body.

Respect the dosages and the mixtures: When using natural products such as essential oils, be sure to respect the recommended dosages and not to apply them pure on the skin. Always dilute them with a vegetable oil or another suitable medium before using them. Find out about mixtures of essential oils that can be synergistic or antagonistic and act accordingly.

Store products in appropriate conditions: Natural products can be sensitive to temperature variations, light and humidity. Keep them in a cool, dry and dark place to preserve their effectiveness and extend their shelf life. Also remember to check the expiration date of products and replace them if necessary.

Caution with homemade products: If you make your own natural-based cosmetics at home, make sure you follow strict hygiene requirements and use quality ingredients. Pay attention to the preservatives and shelf life of your preparations to avoid the development of bacteria and molds. There are preservatives based on natural products such as citrus extracts or from the work of bees. 

Be informed on the contra-indications and the precautions of use: Some natural products, although derived from nature, may have contraindications or require special precautions for use. For example, some essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy or for people with certain medical conditions. Find out about the specificities of each product and adapt your use according to your personal situation.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of natural products for your skin and hair while minimizing the risk of irritation, allergy or other complications.

Conclusion 

In summary, natural products offer many benefits for the skin and hair. 

Benefits include:

A healthier composition, free of harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients.

Nourishing, moisturizing, soothing and repairing properties for the skin and hair.

A positive impact on the environment thanks to natural ingredients, ecological packaging and production methods that respect the planet.

The possibility to adopt a more ethical beauty routine, respectful of animals and biodiversity.

By gradually integrating these natural products into your beauty routine, you will not only improve the health and appearance of your skin and hair, but also reduce your impact on the environment. This will allow you to feel good about yourself while doing something for the planet.

We encourage you to try these natural products and make them part of your daily skincare routine. Take the time to learn about the different ingredients and their properties, and don't hesitate to experiment to find the products that best suit your needs and your skin or hair type. By adopting a natural beauty routine, you'll be one step closer to a healthier and more environmentally friendly life.